Color me shocked at this development. From the pen of former “enemy of the state” Charley Rosen comes this flowery prose about our main man.

KENDRICK PERKINS has become the backbone of the Celtics’ defense. His rotations have greatly improved, as has his defensive range. Also, his improved footwork has made him a semi-dangerous post-up scorer. If he could cut down on the unnecessary fouls he commits, Perkins could easily develop into a 10-10 big man.

Now, he’s one of the most underrated players in the league Charley? That’s a different song than you were singing just a couple years ago, when he shot this across our bow.

“…Kendrick Perkins — 1-4 FG, 4 REB, 1 A, 4 PTS — is big enough and strong enough, but slow off his feet and marginally clumsy. He was able to use his strength to overpower Ilguaskas and force an air ball, but otherwise was a step behind virtually every play. Like Jefferson, Perkins is only 22. Unlike Jefferson, Perkins is a stiff.

You’re still not welcome back in Chuck, but we will balance out your account.